Baltimore Apartment Living

How to Make Your Guests Feel At Home in Your Baltimore Apartment

Sr. Editor — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:41:18 +0000

The days leading up to friends and family coming to town to visit can be frantic. You’re cleaning every nook and cranny you can get your hands on. And while having a clean apartment seems like an essential for the comfort of guests, there are other small things you can do to make your Baltimore apartment feel like home away from home.

Photo by: fromtherightbank

1. Sleeping arrangements – Choose a place where you’re guests will sleep and make it comfortable. Provide clean sheets and an assortment of blankets to choose from.

2. Keep it fresh – Have clean towels ready in your linen closet in case your guest needs extra or would prefer new ones. Also, have a basket or place for them to put their dirty or wet linens so they don’t have to figure out what to do with them.

3. Familiar foods – Keep some of their favorite snacks in the pantry or refrigerator and let them know that they can help themselves.

4. Get acquainted – When they arrive, show them around the apartment – kitchen, bathroom, living room, pantry. This way they can function in your apartment without having to ask questions all of the time.

5. Have extras – Make sure toiletries are available in the bathroom. Have toothpaste, shampoo, soap and hand lotion around in case your guests forgot to bring their own.

6. Put it away – Have a designated place for your guests’ luggage. If they are sleeping in the guest room, place it in there for them, but if they are sleeping on the pull out sofa in the living room, make space in a closet for them to keep their belongings. This way your guest has more privacy knowing that their things aren’t out in the open.

7. Reduce allergens – In addition to having a clean apartment for your guests, vacuum and dust your guest room well if you have pets. Some people are more sensitive to pet dander and hair.

8. Give them privacy – If guests are sleeping in a common area such as the living room, treat it as if it were a bedroom. Don’t keep them up late by watching TV all night. Allow them some privacy and time alone if they need it.

9. Be courteous – If you have to work or be away from your guests for a significant period of time, leave them with a list of restaurants and attractions they may want to see to keep themselves occupied.

10. Relax – No one likes to visit someone who frets the whole time when guests are visiting. Relax and enjoy spending time with them.

Photo by: loungeflyDE

Things to do in Baltimore

While your guests are in town, visit some of the great attractions Baltimore has to offer. Below are just a few to get you started:

Baltimore Mattress Shopping Made Easy

Sr. Editor — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:44:33 +0000

Photo By: Elston

Health professionals and mattress industry experts alike, recommend that consumers replace mattresses every 10 – 13 years. So, get rid of your old mattress before you move to a new apartment in Baltimore. Start shopping for another one today. Here’s all you need to know…

Mattress Buying Tips…

Browse mattress stores and manufacturers online to compare prices.
Make sure there’s a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Take advantage of services that will remove your old mattress for free.
Be a skeptic about specific medial claims about a mattress. It’s often just for advertising and marketing. Beware of scams and shady dealings.
Try out the mattress in the store, even if you end up purchasing online. Lay down on it for at least 15 minutes.

Photo By: Digitalkatie

Top Things to Consider When Mattress Shopping

Size

Generally, mattresses come in twin, full, queen, and king. Sometimes retailers will also carry sizes twin xl and california king. If you’re in the market for one of these less popular styles, check with the store to make sure they carry them before you set out on your search.

Type

Adjustable Mattresses- These are typically found in hospitals and care facilities.
Air Mattresses- Inflatable, portable, and versatile because they can be compacted and stored away.
Specialty/Premium Mattresses (ie foam)
Innerspring Mattresses

Comfort

Mattresses come in a range of comfort levels from firm to soft. The best mattress for a particular person is nothing more than personal preference. Can you sleep on a carpet floor and wake up without back pain? A firm mattress is probably appropriate for you. Making this decision is a bit more difficult when purchasing a new mattress for a couple with different needs regarding support. Meeting somewhere in the middle of extra firm and extra soft would be the best bet.

Ultimately, you should buy a mattress that is the best value for your money. But most importantly, the mattress that you do bring home should suit your comfort level.

Photo By: Joel Washing

12 Fun Holiday Date Ideas

Sr. Editor — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:50:14 +0000

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…? Money a little short this holiday season? Need some cheap date ideas? As you try to plan a Christmas date with that someone special, remember that what is important is spending time together and having fun, not how much money you spend on a holiday date. Here are 12 fun date ideas that you can do in and around your Baltimore apartment.

Photo by: Jack Lyons

1. One of the best free dates in the Baltimore area is to go see the lights on 34th Street in the Hamden neighborhood. Park your car and stroll through the neighborhood, they go all out! Then stop at a corner café for hot chocolate.

2. Want to stay inside where it is warm? Gather your favorite Christmas movies together, fix some chili and settle in for a cozy evening together.

Photo by: David Muir

3. Spend the afternoon at the Holiday Extravaganza where the Baltimore Clayworks hosts over 30 local and 27 national artists for their holiday exhibition and sale. You may pick up some last minute gifts.

4. If you do not have your Christmas tree yet, go together and cut your own tree at Applewood Farms. You may see a reindeer there!

Photo by: Beaster725

5. Visit a Museum. The Walters Art Museum is providing free admission to their permanent collection where you can escape from the day-to-day stress and enjoy wonderful treasures and activities!

6. Did Baltimore just get a fresh layering of snow? Find a hill somewhere at a school or golf course, get out your toboggans and have some fun rolling around in the snow!

7. Be romantic and go to the 27th floor of the World Trade Center to watch the sunset and check out the panoramic view of the Inner Harbor and waterfront neighborhoods.

Photo by: Nancy Kellett

8. Spend the day volunteering at a holiday event that you both are passionate about.

9. Get in the holiday spirit! Get some friends together and go caroling in your neighborhood. Invite your date back to your apartment for apple cider and cookies.

10. Harborplace and the Gallery in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is Baltimore’s holiday hotspot. You may catch a free Christmas concert or sit on Santa’s lap!

Photo by: Jill Greenseth

11. Get into the holiday spirit by attending one of the Christmas programs at a church near your Baltimore apartment. A children’s program can be exceptionally entertaining.

12. Take your date to your favorite restaurant…but go for lunch instead of dinner, then come back to your Baltimore apartment for that wonderful dessert you have waiting in the refrigerator.

Tis the season to be jolly, so save your money and make plans to have 12 days of fun this holiday season with that someone special!

Baltimore, Maryland Living Guide

Sr. Editor — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:45:17 +0000

Photo By: Grufnik

Welcome Hon! This is sort of warm reception is commonplace when you come to Baltimore- a city that takes pride its friendliness and civility. Just don’t call the locals southerners (or northerners for that matter). Most of the half million plus people who call Baltimore home don’t consider themselves southerners (despite being south of the Mason Dixon line) nor do they see themselves as northerners. Most simply like to think of themselves as Baltimoreans– a unique and diverse group of people with a shared passion for their beloved city.

Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, is located in central Maryland at the head of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. From its earliest colonial days, Baltimore’s geographic location has helped it become a major port of entry for both goods and people. This fact has also helped shape the city’s persona of holding on to the past while always moving towards the future. Read on to find out what else has played a part in shaping Baltimore’s persona…

Photo by: Bukutgirl

Climate

Officially, Baltimore lies in what is called the humid subtropical climate zone. Unless you’re studying to be a meteorologist or environmental biologist, that’s probably not going to mean very much to you. In laymen’s terms, Baltimore’s seasons typically include warm, humid summers followed by relatively mild winters– the average high temperature reaching around 88 and 45 degrees respectively.

Like most East Coast cities, it rains pretty consistently throughout the year with an average monthly rainfall of 3 to 4 inches, the greatest amounts accruing during summer and early fall. For the most part, Baltimore is protected from harsh weather patterns year-round due to its location near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Appalachian Mountains to the west.

Baltimore, Maryland Interesting Facts

Prior to the Civil War, Baltimore had one of the highest populations of free African Americans among American cities.
Movies and television shows that have been shot in Baltimore include such diverse films as Sleepless in Seattle, The Replacements, Hairspray, Twelve Monkeys, and the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire.
Greater Baltimore is home to six Fortune 1000 companies: Black & Decker, Legg Mason, T. Rowe Price, Constellation Energy, Grace Chemicals, and McCormick & Company.
Famous residents of Baltimore include Billie Holiday, Phillip Glass, Barry Levinson, H.L. Mencken, Babe Ruth, Upton Sinclair, and Frank Zappa.
Many native Baltimoreans pronounce Baltimore as “Ball-mer.”
Baltimore is considered an independent city and, therefore, is not part of any county.

Major Attractions in Baltimore

USS Constellation
This 179-foot sailing ship, dry-docked at the Inner Harbor in 1999, is the only surviving Civil War-era all-sail warship in existence and, as you can imagine, has quite a few stories to tell. The ship was originally launched in 1854 from the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, Virginia where she was commissioned to intercept slave ships. Then, during the Civil War, she was used to pursue confederate ships. After protecting US waters for 100 years, the Constellation was decommissioned in 1955 and brought to Baltimore for restoration. Today, you can walk aboard the historically-restored ship and learn more about her fascinating history.

Photo By: Sherseydc (Steve)

Top of the World Observation Level
When you ascend to the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center, the world’s tallest pentagonal building, you will be welcomed with something truly breathtaking: a 360-degree view of Baltimore’s beautiful skyline. A trip to the Observation Level would be an excellent first stop for visitors new to the Baltimore area as stationary binoculars and photo-map guides will help you locate the many prominent sites around the city. During the day you will see a city buzzing with life along the Inner harbor and Chesapeake Bay while at night you will find a city aglow– equally active, equally breathtaking.

The Top of the World Observation Level is open most days of the week and offers amazing tours for small groups of people.

The Maryland Zoo In Baltimore
This 160-acre parcel of land located in the Northwestern portion of the city has been drawing Baltimoreans for over 130 years, making it the third oldest zoo in the country. The zoo is divided into several different exhibits including African Journey, Polar Bear Watch, Maryland Wilderness, and the Children’s Zoo. With over 1500 birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, visitors of all ages will find plenty of wildlife to explore.

Although it’s closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, you can enjoy the unique animal exhibits at the Maryland Zoo almost any day of the year!

Photo By: Dvwtwo

Camden Yards

Since opening in 1992, Camden Yards has become regarded as one of the best stadiums in the country to watch baseball. The stadium was built on the site of a former rail station in which it also derived its name. Its traditional, asymmetrical design in the heart of downtown has influenced ballpark development in several other cities across the US.

Regardless of whether or not they’re having a winning season, the Orioles have a solid fan base with an average of 40,000 fans in attendance. Whew, that’s a lot of peanuts to clean up. While you’re in the area you might want to also check out the nearby Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame exhibit, the Babe Ruth Museum, and/or the Sports Legends Museum. Play ball!

Tickets: It’s best to buy your tickets in advance as buying on game day can often be difficult, especially on weekends. You can order your tickets online and pick them up at the will-call window on the day of the game.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore
If it lives in the water you’ll probably find it at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. This internationally recognized aquarium is home to over 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals! Sharks, turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and giant Octopus will greet you as you stroll from exhibit to exhibit. Whether watching crocodiles leap into a pond at the Animal Planet: Wild Extremes exhibit or taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the wild in the brand-new, state of the art 4D Immersion Theatre, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must see.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum
One of Baltimore’s most visited attractions, the Children’s Museum has welcomed 2.5 million visitors since it first opened in 1998, delighting both kids and adults alike. Designed by a team from Walt Disney Imagineering and a group of educators, the museum offers 3 separate floors where kids from 2 to 10 years of age can see just how fun learning can be. Children can zip through a three-story tree house, travel back in time, play a game of indoor soccer and more!

Photo By: Mariozama